Sales Internship - Summer 2027

SALES INTERN - SUMMER 2027

Des Moines, IA

This is a remote & travel work environment. This position will require working remotely wherever you are located but will involve in-person sales events and meetings that will require travel. Travel will be compensated accordingly.

The intention of this position is to provide real-life experience and understanding of our full-time Operator Sales Representative role.

Full-time roles may not be guaranteed in the same location as the internship and may require relocation.

Schwan’s Company, a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle company CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leading U.S. manufacturer and marketer of quality foods offered through retail-grocery and food-service channels. Its many popular brands include Red Baron®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Villa Prima™ and Freschetta® pizza; Mrs. Smith’s® and Edwards® desserts; and Pagoda®, Bibigo®, Minh®, and Chef One® Asian-style snacks.

Your Internship Experience:

• Dynamic 12-Week Internship (May 24 – August 13, 2027): Dive into a hands-on field sales experience working alongside local sales teams, while experiencing real-world projects that align with your studies to make a real impact.
• Take Charge of Strategic Projects: Own exciting, high-stakes initiatives with direct relevance to your coursework and gain invaluable experience that goes beyond the classroom.
• Exclusive Access to Leadership: Engage with company executives and senior leaders through frequent interactions that offer unique insights and career inspiration.
• A Culture of Care: Join a company that prioritizes health, safety, and well-being, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Guidance from Industry Experts: Receive guidance from skilled & genuine team members who are invested in your success.
• Pathway to a Thriving Career: Build your future with a leading food company where internships often pave the way to full-time roles after graduation.

Your Impact:

• Industry Experience and Skills Development: Dive into Schwan’s and the Food Service Industry, gaining hands-on experience in sales planning, call execution, and industry knowledge. Master key skills such as organization, time management, food safety guidelines, basic culinary techniques, and working effectively with diverse operator segments.
• Event Support and Sales Activities: Energize team efforts by supporting distributor and operator events. Assist with on-the-ground sales activities, collaborating with team members to drive customer engagement at the account level.
• Operator Engagement and Sampling: Get involved in operator engagement through exciting opportunities like food shows and distributor meetings. Play a key role in product sampling, connecting with operators and showcasing our offerings.
• Project Leadership and Presentation: Take charge of 2+ impactful summer projects designed to boost sales momentum. Present your project outcomes and insights to senior leadership, demonstrating your contribution to the company’s success.
• Relationship Building: Forge strong cross-functional relationships within the company and build valuable connections with customers. Your networking skills will be key to creating lasting partnerships and driving sales growth.
• Sales Strategy: Contribute to developing and refining sales strategies, utilizing your industry knowledge and insights to enhance our approach.
• Market Analysis: Assist in analyzing market trends and competitor activities to support strategic sales initiatives and identify growth opportunities.
• Training and Development: Engage in ongoing training to deepen your understanding of sales processes, industry dynamics, and effective customer interactions.

What You Bring:

• Education: Current enrollment in a bachelor's Business Management, Sales, Marketing, Communications, or business-related program with an anticipated graduation date of December 2027 or May 2028. GPA of 3.0+ preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  • Confident go-getter with a proactive mindset, ready to take initiative and own your work.
  • Articulate and engaging in all forms of communication—verbal, written, and interpersonal.
  • Quickly establish rapport and foster genuine, trust-based relationships.
  • Skilled at delivering compelling presentations to diverse audiences.
  • Excellent at juggling multiple tasks and managing time efficiently to meet critical deadlines.
  • Comfortable with numbers and adept at analyzing financial data, including margins and pricing.
  • Thrives in fast-paced, ever-changing environments, handling ambiguity with ease.
  • Open and eager to relocate for full-time opportunities after the internship.
  • Ready to hit the road, with frequent travel expected and embraced.